Sports News

MHS girls battle Indians in regional semifinals

Raquel Pierce (right) connects on a hit in last Thursday’s Middlesex win over West Point in the first round of the Tidewater District Tournament. Middlesex finished second in the district and will play Northumberland at 4 p.m. on November 12, at King William in the semifinals of the Region A Tournament. (Photo by Tom Chillemi)

The Middlesex High varsity volleyball team defeated Eastern Shore champion Nandua in the opening round of the Region A Tournament on Monday.

The tournament semifinals and finals are November 12, at King William. In the semifinals, the Lady Chargers will face Northern Neck District champion Northumberland at 4 p.m, and Mathews will battle Essex at 5:30 p.m.. The two semifinal winners play for the Region A championship at 7 p.m.

“Although it was a long trip, the girls came off the bus ready to play and excited,” said MHS coach Jennifer Harrow after Monday’s win over Nandua. “They looked relaxed on the court and played strong offense and defense and covered the court better than we have been lately.

“Hayley Guess made a really nice dig to help shut down Nandua’s best hitter, and it was nice to have Chelsi Blake back with her powerful hit,” said Harrow.

Harrow said she’s changed her lineup slightly. “They really seem to be jelling well defensively, which is where we have been hurting some lately.”

In district tournament play, West Point rebounded from an opening game loss to Middlesex (25-11) and won the next two games 25-23 and 25-22. However, the Lady Chargers responded with a 25-16 win in game four and won 15-10 in the fifth and deciding game.

Puster led in assists with 23, followed by Hainley with 18. Puster had 14 kills, Hainley 9, Guess 8 , and Blake 7.

On defense, Hainley had 14 digs, followed by Payne with 9, Pierce with 8, and Blake and Lewter with 7 each. Payne also was in on two double blocks with Hainley and Pierce. Hainley served 8 aces and was followed by Guess with 3.

In the district championship match, Mathews defeated Middlesex 25-14, 25-15 and 25-16. “Although we did not win, we actually played stronger,” said Harrow. “We made fewer errors, but just didn’t always capitalize on situations when we should have.”